MPs thrash out FOI bill

6:53am Thursday 17th May 2007

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MPs will tomorrow debate a backbench Bill to exempt them and Parliament from the Freedom of Information Act (FOI).

The move has been presented as an attempt to ensure journalists cannot access letters sent from constituents to their MPs.

However critics say it is a move by MPs to stop details about their activities and expenses being brought to light by journalists or interest groups.

Labour Watford MP Claire Ward said she is broadly supportive of the bill put forward by Conservative David Maclean.

She said the move was not about restricting information.

She said: "As an MP I'm already protected but other public bodies aren't, this is about closing a loophole in the law.

"For example if a write a letter on a constituent behalf to one of these bodies that data must later be released even if it is sent in confidence.

"I think we should remember that MPs are individuals working from very small offices. Not multi national companies."

For a full update on how your local MP votes on the issue, keep viewing the Watford Observer's website.